In our current national climate, political literature is now more relevant than ever as biased media portrays politicians however they see fit. It is imperative that citizens understand the profile of a politician through the books that they write. It is becoming popular for politicians to publish books about their views or memoirs of their life. With an announcement to run for President comes an expectation of a book release and tour, explaining their views and how they became who they are today.

Take Stephen Colbert, the most recent person to milk their new book tour with an announcement of his “candidacy.” His mockery of the system comes from an idea to enter the electoral race as he runs for “President of South Carolina,” (one of the important states when it comes to the primaries) as he reaps the benefits of a hike in sales of his literature. More often than not, those who release books during times of political awareness (such as the primaries, which are coming up in a few months), see sales increase, as the public wants to know more about their possible future President. In recent trends, books are increasingly being used as tools to announce candidacies.

Political literature is more influential than one might initially think. By taking the time to read it, the public can find direct answers to some of their most pressing questions and eliminate the barrier that the media creates against certain candidates. Stephen Colbert knows a thing or two about politics; he had chosen to run as both a Republican and a Democrat, although now has decided that his “trail to the White House” has ended.

Marketing political literature is the key to its potential success for politicians. For those who have had scandals, lead interesting lives, or have lost a few races, it is to their advantage to put it in writing. It is those “insider” moments that draw the public to read about the in-depth life of a politician and allow them to dispel the myth that “all politicians are liars.”

Though the current public is hungry to read about the sometimes sordid lives of political leaders, it is important to form an opinion by educating yourself, through research from various sources, as well as using a bit of common sense to temper the sensationalist atmosphere. Politicians will always try to place themselves into the most flattering light, and it is up to us to decide what is true, and what is false advertising.

Do you like to read political literature? Has your opinion about a candidate changed from reading a book? Let us know what you think and what part of the country/ which country you are in. We will include the results, and your opinions in next month’s newsletter.